Wednesday

The Bikini's Sports Bar and Grill chain is winding down operations, with plans to shutter its sole remaining location this month.

That location, at 214 E. Sixth St. in downtown Austin, closes Dec. 23 and will reopen four days later with a new look and a new name, BBG's.

At its peak, there were Bikini's locations across Texas and in several other states. It was similar to a number of other chains, such as Hooter's and Tilted Kilt, featuring scantily clad waitresses.

The "breastaurant" got its start in 2006 in North Austin — a location that closed a few years ago to make way for a new self-storage facility.

Changing times led Bikini's founder Doug Guller to make the decision to pull the plug.

"As with any new business, I was very excited about that brand when we opened it up," he said. "But as an entrepreneur, you have to change with the market. As I looked to the future, I felt it was time. Bikini's ran its course. I'm thrilled about this new chapter."

Guller got a lot of mileage out of the Bikini's brand, including a stint on CBS's "Undercover Boss" and gobs of publicity when he bought a ghost town in the Hill Country and renamed it Bikini's, Texas. Actress and model Carmen Electra was even on hand for opening day of Bikini's, Texas.

BBG's, the replacement for Bikini's, will also be a sports bar, but with higher-end decorations, improved lighting, a refined menu and both male and female servers.

"I think BBG’s will appeal to a wider demographic and allow friends and family to enjoy a new sports bar environment," Guller said.

Menu changes will include ditching several fried items in favor of baked and grilled dishes. Pastas are being added, as well. But, don't worry: You can still order a burger, wings and other favorites.

Guller's company, ATX Brands, owns a number of restaurant and bar concepts. While BBG's is the newest offering, Guller said another of his concepts, Happy Chicks, will be the company's primary vehicle for expansion going forward.

Happy Chicks features a menu focused on chicken tenders and dipping sauces. Guller believes Happy Chicks, which currently has two locations, could go national in the next couple years.

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